Once you’ve made an appointment for a procedure, and submitted the necessary personal information, there are some steps to take, both before and after, for a smooth experience and successful results.

Please bring your insurance card and Photo ID with you to your first visit

There are so many wonderful, effective cosmetic procedures available now, each with specific applications and benefits. In order to determine which is best for you, we start with a consultation, which is your opportunity to ask questions and learn more, and our opportunity to help you decide the right way to proceed.

To get the most out of your consultation, ask yourself a few questions beforehand:

What are my goals?

When you look in the mirror, what would you most like to change? It’s difficult to see yourself objectively, so that can be a difficult question, but it’s one that you need to be ready to answer when you’re speaking with your dermatologist. Bring a flattering photograph of yourself from five or ten years ago, if you like — this can be a great tool for conveying your goals.

What is my budget?

Figure out the amount you’re prepared to spend, and do your homework on the current costs of various procedures. (Remember that many, such as peels and laser treatments, require a series of appointments.) Once you decide on a potential course of action, ask your doctor if it’s realistic to accomplish it on your budget.

What are my expectations?

It’s important to understand the limitations of what these procedures can do. We can’t achieve total transformation, nor do we want to. Our goal is to capture your own individual beauty and enhance it in subtle ways, to make you look fresher and more youthful — not to completely change your face.

What are my fears?

Your fears probably fall into one (or both) of two categories. The first can be summed up as “duck lips and a frozen face” — many people are terrified that they’re going to end up looking like an alien or a plastic mask. That is not where we’re going to take you! Part of our role as dermatologists is to act as a voice of reason, advising patients when to back off and do less in order to achieve natural-looking results. The second common concern is the fear of pain, and the consultation is the perfect time to bring this up. When we understand your fears, we can reassure you and help prepare you, all so that we can provide the best possible care.

Before any procedure, stop using chemicals on your skin three days ahead of time; that means retinoids, acids, scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, cosmeceuticals, and chemical sunscreens (switch to mineral ones). Take off any makeup before the procedure. If you are prone to herpes, fever blisters, or any kind of infection on your face (even acne), treat it with the proper medication before and after your procedure, since any treatment can cause stress to the skin that may trigger a flare-up.